A Day at the Beach by Raymond A. Foss

Laughing, we ran on the hot sandThe damp beach under our feetThe glistening ocean before usThe girl did a backflip, landingon her feet; Ta-Da, like a dolphinWe were playing with the beach ballsVolleying over an invisible netThe dry sand burns. Splash!Swim in the water, watchfor seaweed, sponges, jellyfishThe wind, the rocks, sand blowingWalk down looking for shells, for glassSalty air, wet in my mouthThe buckets and shovels on my towelSand everywhere, in everythingRambunctious gulls, scream not so beautifullyA pause in wonder, the small worldshining in the tide poolStarfish and seahorses excited in playsea urchins dancing in suspended animationHot lying on the beachTime to go home